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ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN MINNESOTA

  • Writer: Fatumata Kaba
    Fatumata Kaba
  • Aug 13
  • 3 min read

CREATING SAFE, ACCESSIBLE, AND SUPPORTIVE HOME ENVIRONMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

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Environmental Modification Services in Minnesota provide physical adaptations to homes or other living spaces to ensure they are safe, accessible, and supportive for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. These services are available under Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers and are designed to support independent living and community integration.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

  • Agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

    • Role: Administers Medicaid programs, including environmental modifications through HCBS Waivers

  • Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

    • Role: May regulate aspects related to health and safety standards during modifications

  • Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

    • Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

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2. ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Environmental Modification Services involve home alterations that are necessary to support the health, safety, and independence of individuals with functional limitations. These services are tailored to the Person-Centered Plan (PCP) or Individual Service Plan (ISP) and may include:

  • Wheelchair ramps and widened doorways

  • Roll-in showers and accessible bathrooms

  • Stair lifts and grab bars

  • Lowered countertops and accessible appliances

  • Adaptive lighting and non-slip flooring

  • Installation of emergency alert systems

 

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

  • Register your business with the Minnesota Secretary of State

  • Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

  • Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Minnesota Department of Human Services

  • Comply with applicable state construction, zoning, and accessibility regulations

  • Maintain liability insurance and documentation of all modification work

 

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

  • Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services for provider requirements for environmental modifications

Step 2: Application Submission

  • Submit business registration, proof of compliance with building codes, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: Compliance Review

  • DHS reviews qualifications and ensures the provider meets safety and accessibility standards

Step 4: Approval and Medicaid Number Assignment

  • Once approved, receive a Medicaid provider number and authorization to deliver services

 

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Registration

  • IRS EIN Letter

  • NPI confirmation

  • Proof of compliance with ADA and building codes

  • Liability insurance certificate

  • Policy & procedure manual including:

    • Assessment and modification planning protocols

    • Installation and inspection procedures

    • Documentation of materials and labor used

    • Client approval forms and project close-out checklists

    • Staff training and licensure verification

 

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Environmental Modifications Project Manager

  • Requirements: Experience in construction project management, accessibility standards, or home adaptations

Role: Licensed Contractor / Technician

  • Requirements:

    • Valid contractor’s license in the state of Minnesota

    • Background check and insurance verification

    • ADA compliance training and experience with accessibility installations

Training Requirements:

  • ADA accessibility standards and Minnesota building codes

  • Client communication and consent procedures

  • Safety and risk mitigation

  • Documentation and inspection requirements

 

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Environmental Modification Services in Minnesota are available through:

  • 1915(c) HCBS Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled

  • Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver

  • Brain Injury (BI) Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

  • Structural home modifications to improve accessibility and safety

  • Equipment installation to support mobility and independence

  • Environmental adaptations aligned with client needs and safety plans

 

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

  • Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

  • Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Licensing

  • Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Equipment and Project Workflow Setup

  • Timeline: 2–4 weeks

 

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)

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MINNESOTA ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MINNESOTA ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER

We support agencies and entrepreneurs in launching compliant Environmental Modification Services across Minnesota under the HCBS Waiver models.

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Scope of Work:

  • Business registration and licensing assistance

  • Medicaid provider enrollment

  • Policy & procedure manual for modification service operations

  • Templates for site assessments, client approval forms, and inspection checklists

  • Website, domain, and email setup

  • Contractor verification and staff training logs

  • Project documentation systems and cost tracking templates

  • Referral networking with care coordinators, housing agencies, and ADA consultants




Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements. 

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